Amination of brominated nanoporous activated carbon beads for the preparation of CO2 adsorbents

Abstract

Nanoporous activated carbon (NAC) beads that prepared by carbonization of microporous polymer 2,6-di-tert-butyl pyridine beads were subjected to bromination followed by amination to synthesize the NAC derivatives carrying amino groups. Grafted bromine groups, 0.41 mmol of Br per 1 g of NAC, are hydrolytic stable at 100 °С and can be successfully substituted by amino groups. SEM, TEM, and texture studies were shown a nanoporosity decrease. However, the aminated NAC beads maintained a narrow nanopore size distribution and high specific surface area, retaining a spherical shape. These beads were evaluated for capturing CO2 and showed good reversible adsorption capacity. The preparation method can easily be scaled up, and the NAC beads can be used for other adsorption applications where shaped carbon solids with developed nanoporosity are required.